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U of M to Get Explore Bike Share Next Fall

Explore Bike Share will expand to the University of Memphis by next fall, university officials announced Monday.

Thanks to a $580,000 grant through a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) fund, the campus and surrounding areas will receive 60 bikes.

U of M president M. David Rudd said bringing Bike Share to the campus will alleviate some of the parking issues on campus, while improving sustainability.

“The University of Memphis area has found its identity as a popular retail, food and residential district, while university enrollment has grown and retention rates are at an all-time high,”Rudd said. “We see tremendous value in Explore Bike Share, and believe it will be an innovative way to service our students’ needs and increase our sustainability by increasing mobility options, relieving the pressure of parking by reducing motor vehicle usage and getting our students engaged in the community.”

The CMAQ funds will also cover the cost of a number of EBS memberships for students. EBS will collaborate with students and campus officials to determine the best locations for bike stations at and around the U of M.

“Our mission at Explore Bike Share is to provide Memphians with affordable, accessible and easy transportation, and we start on the ground with community members and leaders,” Sara Studdard, EBS community engagement and marketing director, said. “Bike share would give students an easy, exciting way to engage in the college experience, but first we have to ask them a simple question — where do you want to go?”

With funds from a separate CMAQ grant, EBS plans to add an additional 300 bikes at 30 stations throughout the city next year.